“I’m very excited to come back to Toronto,” said Nadal. “2008 was so special, because that victory [helped] me reach world No.1 for the first time. I’ve missed this tournament many more times because of tough injuries, so I’m looking forward to be back at a tournament that I love.

Nadal, though, isn’t putting a lot of stock in how results this month will impact his upcoming US Open title defense.

“I think what can happen here or in Cincinnati will not have a big impact on the US Open,” the three-time Rogers Cup champion said. “Of course the good results would be good for the confidence but the conditions are completely different – courts, the ball especially.

“I know from my experience if I play well here and Cincinnati it’s a little bit easier to play well at the US Open but not decisive. Last year I didn’t play very well but I played well at the US Open and won it.”